Hit-and-run driver's history revealed in court

AN IPSWICH man, who will be jailed over a fatal hit-and-run in Brisbane, had a history of speeding, losing his licence and road rage.

Mark Richard Harley Sweet, from Redbank Plains near Ipswich, was driving a motorbike, with fake moped plates, when he hit pedestrian Timothy John Wall, 43, on Old Cleveland Rd at Coorparoo in October 2010.

Wall died in hospital two days later from head injuries sustained in the crash.

Sweet pleaded guilty this week - moments before a trial was due to begin - to dangerous driving causing death.

Crown prosecutor Maita Aylward told the court Sweet had 10 speeding tickets, had hit a female motorcyclist because she was shaking her head at him and repeatedly had his licence suspended.

She said Sweet had fled the scene but he owned the bike and, despite the fake plates, police connected the bike to him.

A magistrate initially threw the case out after Sweet's lawyers made a no-case-to-answer submission.

He only faced criminal charges again after inquest findings pointed the finger at him.

Ms Aylward said Sweet told his then partner he "felt bad because he was involved in a car accident and someone was hurt".

She said the dangerous driving came down to the speed - witnesses estimated he was travelling 75-80kmh in a 60kmh zone, changing lanes on a bend and not keeping a proper lookout as a driver.

The court heard the victim had a 0.112% BAC when tested at the hospital.

Defence barrister Don MacKenzie said his client fled the crash scene because he was unlicensed and did not believe anyone was hurt or dead.

He said he could not conclude whether Sweet was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Mr MacKenzie also pointed out the victim's actions before the fatal crash.

"He has made a decision, which involves poor judgment probably clouded by alcohol, to cross a busy four-lane road, in the dark ... and he has probably contributed to this tragic accident," he said.